Guardians of the Galaxy #2 *Spoilers*

[drwho]

There is so much action and dialogue in this issue you definitely get your money's worth. Also the art continues to be a high quality.

What happens this issue

1. The team goes to a floating ice covered rock that is outside of a space time fissure. Maybe the book will explain it better for you all. Anyway on the floating rock they discover Vance Astro and parts of the Avenger's mansion. The team also is attacked by alien creatures that are thawed out from the rock. The team escapes with a dazed Vance. I did like the observation about how they discovered Vance and how it was paralleled with the original discovery of Captain America.

2. Mantis is revealed to be alive. She speaks with Vance trying to figure out who he is and Vance claims he needs to come to a certain period of time, but does not know why. Kind of typical confused character from the future scene that has a mission, but does not know what it is.

3. The Universal Church from Warlock's past shows up and the Guardians begin to fight them.

4. Phyla talks about Moon Dragon in front of Drax. Does she know Drax is her father yet? I can not remember.

A few problems I had with the issue are.

1. Gamora comments how Warlock makes her hot. Wow so was she brainwashed and totally forgot she had a screwy relationship in the past with him?

2. Phyla wanting to cook macaroni and cheese. Perhaps we have not seen this side of her yet, but what a cheesy line.

Over all the issue was good.

[Cthulhudrew]

2. Mantis is revealed to be alive.

???

She was shown last issue, watering Groot and talking to the team (and audience) a couple of times.

4. Phyla talks about Moon Dragon in front of Drax. Does she know Drax is her father yet? I can not remember.

Yes. Moonie and Drax have known their relationship for a long while now, and they even managed to get close towards the end of Warlock and the Infinity Watch.

Or did you mean Phyla? I assume she knows, because Thanos sent her to him with Moonie's ear in Annihilation to taunt him (plus Moondragon and Phyla probably would have talked about it at some point).

[drwho]

???

She was shown last issue, watering Groot and talking to the team (and audience) a couple of times.

I must have forgot. :eek: all the green characters confuse the hell out of me.

[CMBMOOL]

I hate be mean, but Mantis was shown alive in the first issue. :frown:


Still I think that this could lead into the Skrull invasion as it seems impossible for parts of the Avengers Mansion to be floating in ice in space. :frown:


Still can't wait for the next issue though. :redface:

[agrich]

I was just writing a review/synopsis as this was posted, so here it is.....

Spoilers below….










We open with a cool shot of the team, which has just been transported to a fissure in time and space, where a mysterious, frozen-solid mass has appeared. They investigate, and discover what appears to be the front gate of – Avengers Mansion! After battling some monsters who’ve also been frozen into the mass over time/space, they find a mysterious figure frozen in the ice, carrying what appears to be Captain America’s shield. It’s Captain America! Oh wait, no, it’s Vance Astro of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Huh?

The gang fixes the crisis, scoops up Astro, and skedaddles back to Knowhere for debriefing/a moment’s peace. Meanwhile, The Matriarch of the Universal Church of Truth has reviewed footage of the battle from Issue #1, and is intrigued by ONE of the attackers…..

She sends her Cardinals out to investigate, which culminates in them meeting up with the Guardians of the Galaxy (no rest for the weary) at another fissure. “Prostrate yourselves before us” says Raker, the lead Cardinal. “Yuh” (essentially) respond the Guardians. Have at thee!

Random Comments:

Some nice character moments in this one.

Phyla offers to make dinner for Drax, attempting to bond with her ex’s Dad.

Gamora concedes she has feelings for Adam.

And Warlock and Peter Quill discuss the fact that they’ve found a frozen figure in a block of ice – just like the event that fully brought Earth’s Avengers together!

Vance Astro has been temporally displaced, but he says he’s finally exactly when he wants to be. Hmmm….

Plus, Mantis seems like she’s not entirely to be trusted….

Presumably the “one” the Matriarch is interested in is Adam Warlock. (Although we can’t be certain.) Could it possibly be the similarity of his appearance to …. The Magus? Since that was what first intrigued her about him way back in Strange Tales #180, is history repeating itself?

Or does it, as Adam says in this issue, “not repeat itself, but sometimes it rhymes”?


Another fine issue. Keep ‘em coming.

[The Avenging One]

Was Vance still wearing the black/symbiote suit?

[drwho]

Was Vance still wearing the black/symbiote suit?

Naah, back in his classic look.

[agrich]

A few problems I had with the issue are.

1. Gamora comments how Warlock makes her hot. Wow so was she brainwashed and totally forgot she had a screwy relationship in the past with him?

2. Phyla wanting to cook macaroni and cheese. Perhaps we have not seen this side of her yet, but what a cheesy line.


1. We know their relationship ended, we just don't know why. I took this to mean only that although they're kaput, she still has feelings for him.

2. I took this to be just her trying to bond with Drax, partly out of respect for Moondragon - it's "what she'd have wanted." Unless they're going to hook up at some point, which would be kind of wrong, but hey, it's not like they're related or anything.

I agree the art is very good in this book. An old-school vibe, too.

[Dorsai]

Great issue. I'm really enjoying this series -- especially some of the small touches.

Rocket commenting on how he hates talking pets made me literally laugh out loud.

As much as I didn't like the new Quasar (not a die-hard Wendell fan -- just didn't really like Phyla), she is starting to grow on me.

Marvel Cosmic is actually pretty darn good these days.

[drinkblatzbeer]

read this at the shop...

dammit...both 1 and 2 seem so awesome, i may have to start buying this title...

[gorthon616]

2. I took this to be just her trying to bond with Drax, partly out of respect for Moondragon - it's "what she'd have wanted." Unless they're going to hook up at some point, which would be kind of wrong, but hey, it's not like they're related or anything.

That would be weird.... but interesting.

Is Cammi officially trapped in limbo? I think the last I saw of her was the ending sequence of the first Annihilation where she was with Skreet.

[Pixie_Solanas]

read this at the shop...

dammit...both 1 and 2 seem so awesome, i may have to start buying this title...

There is absolutely no reason not to. This is the kind of quality book that we should be demanding from the Big 2.

[CMBMOOL]

Phyla offers to make dinner for Drax, attempting to bond with her ex’s Dad.

Gamora concedes she has feelings for Adam.

And Warlock and Peter Quill discuss the fact that they’ve found a frozen figure in a block of ice – just like the event that fully brought Earth’s Avengers together!


Plus, Mantis seems like she’s not entirely to be trusted….





Well I can't say that I'm that much impress with Phyla trying to bond with Drax, but it could help them reach some sort of closer with the death of Moondragon.

As for the Gamora and Warlock news, I some how got the feeling that it wasn't that long until they got back together. Poor Nova, just a cheap toy for the deadliest woman in the universe. :frown:


Also with Mantis, how can you not trust someone who as the ability to see into the future. :mad:

And comparing the new Guardians with the Avengers seems like something that we all need right now is a true leadership in Vance.

Still Vance just out there in Space Ice waiting to be found, something tells me there more to that sotry there. :tongue:

[drwho]

Maybe Vance will turn out to be a skrull. lol

[agrich]

There is absolutely no reason not to. This is the kind of quality book that we should be demanding from the Big 2.

Moreover, unlike say Uncanny X-Men, books like this count on sales to make sure they're still around 1-2 years from now. Of all the titles where fans can "wait for the trade," this isn't one of them. Buy it!

[PatchMadripoor]

The gang fixes the crisis, scoops up Astro, and skedaddles back to Knowhere for debriefing/a moment’s peace. Meanwhile, The Matriarch of the Universal Church of Truth has reviewed footage of the battle from Issue #1, and is intrigued by ONE of the attackers…..

Presumably the “one” the Matriarch is interested in is Adam Warlock. (Although we can’t be certain.) Could it possibly be the similarity of his appearance to …. The Magus? Since that was what first intrigued her about him way back in Strange Tales #180, is history repeating itself?


Possibly Drax, who may take up the role Thanos has vacated as THE uber-cosmic demi-god of death and destruction.

Or Mantis. She is the Celestial Madonna. Universal Truth implies you know what is going on, and Mantis knows a lot.

[Peter F.]

Moreover, unlike say Uncanny X-Men, books like this count on sales to make sure they're still around 1-2 years from now. Of all the titles where fans can "wait for the trade," this isn't one of them. Buy it!

You know what? I think I will. I didn't get either of the Annihilation books but I haven't been very lost reading these summaries and if I have questions I'll just post them here. Or go to Wiki.

[Somebody]

Was Vance still wearing the black/symbiote suit?
I'm wondering if THIS Vance has ever worn it. There's at least two weird things about MV even BEFORE you consider the points the team itself picked up:
1) He introduced himself as Vance Astrovik. While technically correct, has futureVance ever introduced himself as Astrovik rather than Astro? Interactions with Justice notwithstanding.
2) The timeframe. He's got the Shield. He's in his classic containment suit (confirmed by Mantis, it seems) rather than the Venom-copy or his Cap-alike costume. But he didn't take the codename "Major Victory" UNTIL he dumped the containment suit.

This is before you consider Gallagher's clusterfrak that ended GotG v1, which included Vance giving up the Shield.

If this isn't a setup, as the team themselves suggest, this doesn't seem to be the Vance Astro we're familiar with (and there is, of course, the question about whether Starhawk's upcoming appearances were a fakeout, or if it's in addition to Vance).

Maybe Vance will turn out to be a skrull. lol
I wouldn't rule it out, with a SI tie-in coming up, and the inconsistencies above - although when exactly the Skrulls would get a version of Cap's shield mitigates against that.

Love RR's enthusiasm for "Guardians of the Galaxy" though, even if they're not even based in *A* galaxy

[Alex Smith]

I really didn't think it was that great of an issue. I mean it wasn't bad by any means, but it wasn't good either. I still love the art, but after I got done reading it I didn't really feel anything at all. Just kind of a "Ok, well that one's out of the way, what's next?"

I'm sure it will pick up again though.

[agrich]

I still love the art, but after I got done reading it I didn't really feel anything at all. Just kind of a "Ok, well that one's out of the way, what's next?"

I'm sure it will pick up again though.

I liked it, but I agree it felt like the kind of issue that was more establishing some character interplay and setting some things in motion for upcoming issues than a standalone story. The Vance Astro stuff and the Matriarch stuff was more setup than anything. Which is OK with me.

[XPac]

As for the Gamora and Warlock news, I some how got the feeling that it wasn't that long until they got back together. Poor Nova, just a cheap toy for the deadliest woman in the universe. :frown:




I wouldn't be shocked if Gamora opted to make a move on Adam... written as is, I'm not sure Gamora is that picky. But Adam doesn't really seem interested... though historically I suppose he almost never really shown to be.

As for Rich... I'm not sure he's the type to mind TOO MUCH that he was being used as a cheap toy for a hot chick.

[Alex Smith]

I liked it, but I agree it felt like the kind of issue that was more establishing some character interplay and setting some things in motion for upcoming issues than a standalone story. The Vance Astro stuff and the Matriarch stuff was more setup than anything. Which is OK with me.

Oh ya, I definitely agree. Issue 1 was kind of the set up as to how the book was going to work, let us all get a feel for it, and now issue 2 is setting up some plot lines. We should be in line for some good material coming up soon.

[CMBMOOL]

Maybe Vance will turn out to be a skrull. lol

That what I was thinking and trying to mention in the first place. :mad:

[XPac]

That what I was thinking and trying to mention in the first place. :mad:

Yeah, him randomly showing up out of nowhere does make him a good Skrull candidate. He might even be a sleeper like Captain Marvel.

Is that an up to date version of Vance's costume? We've seen skrulls in SI using older 70's versions.

[CMBMOOL]

I wouldn't be shocked if Gamora opted to make a move on Adam... written as is, I'm not sure Gamora is that picky. But Adam doesn't really seem interested... though historically I suppose he almost never really shown to be.

As for Rich... I'm not sure he's the type to mind TOO MUCH that he was being used as a cheap toy for a hot chick.

Man, from what you said I figure that Gamora could be the Sue Richards to Adam's Reed. As in one man who rarely shows emotions and understands the feelings of his spouse. :tongue:

I would be kind of upset if I was used by a Hot chick, at least alittle. :frown:

[DaeJi]

Liked this issue. Liked it a lot. Really great series so far, one I hope does very, very well. I like the visuals of Adam's powers, so mystic, strange... cool. He and Phy seem to have a very close relationship and care for each other. Makes sense after Conquest.

I enjoyed the scene with Phy and Drax. Both are united through a common tragedy but Phy seems to be handling it better than Drax. Probably because she and Heather were so close and she got to spend more better time with the telepath, where as Drax relation to his daughter hasn't been healthy since Thanos blasted their car. And I thought the Mac & Cheese thing was cute.

I loved Rocket and his team name thing. He seems to be the only one who actually cares about it. And now with this new development, he seems just hell bent on the "Guardians of the Galaxy" name. It is catchy.

The parallel between the Guardians and the Avengers was a nice touch, hopefully leading to some interesting plot developments. I like how it ties the new cosmic team to Earth a little, compasses the more mainstream Marvel stories without actually crossing over with them.

Oooo, a fight coming up next! From the few preview images we have, we know these... "Cardinals" are going to be tough foes. This is just a fun, exciting series. Everything is just too awesome.

[Brother Zag]

Just finished reading the issue earlier tonight... loved it! Best quote? Adam Warlock: "History doesn't repeat itself, Gamora, but sometimes it RHYMES." Second best? Rocket Raccoon: "Talking pets give me the WILLIES!" More great writing from DnA. And that's just the dialogue. I love the concepts they're playing with, the use of the "debriefing" panels, good stuff!

I really like the way Paul Pelletier draws the characters, too. Pretty sweet art once again!

[mikekerr3]

Great book Marvel gets better the arther you get away from the main titles lately and this book proves it.

Love that Cosmo thinks like a S,mart dog, not like a human.

Love the interaction between characters and it started out with a LOL line from Rocket.

The surprise doesn't seem like a cheep trick and the didn't put as a shock on the last page, I love this!

[joemagnum611]

Good book overall. I want to know more about Vance and the original Guardians. Last time we saw Vance He had the "Venom" costume and didn't have the sheild. So is he from another point in the time stream? We know Starhawk is showing up but where's the rest of the team? Hopefully we'll get some answers soon

[SeritoNiN]

I liked the issue, not as much as I liked number 1, but I still liked it. It wasn't bad by any means. I really dig the panels where the team members speak to you, something different, seeing them sit there and give their perspective on what went on. I hope the writers keep with that.

This and Kick-ass have been two Marvel books of late to hit me out of nowhere and get my attention. Liking both.

[Skrulk]

Damn, this book kicks ass on so many levels! I just started picking up this book with last month's issue 1 and I am loving it so far!

[40yearoldnovafan]

1. We know their relationship ended, we just don't know why. I took this to mean only that although they're kaput, she still has feelings for him.

2. I took this to be just her trying to bond with Drax, partly out of respect for Moondragon - it's "what she'd have wanted." Unless they're going to hook up at some point, which would be kind of wrong, but hey, it's not like they're related or anything.

I agree the art is very good in this book. An old-school vibe, too.
I remember several fans not being happy that we got no explanation concerning Gamora and Warlock. The one thing we have seen with DnA is they do go back in the past to show us "unseen moments." We have seen this at least twice in Nova. They have already alluded to Gamora and Warlock's relationship in the first two issues. And as you said, it seems like Gamora still has some lingering feelings for Warlock.

Now what's going to happen when Rich sees the future Vance? Will they be teaming up? That would definitely be cool.

The art looks better in this issue than the last. Star-lord's design has "smoothened out" some.

Guardians of the Galaxy is fast becoming my number two book, behind Nova. I have a feeling that when the new Astonishing X-men arrives, it will complete my top three (Black Summer from Avatar would probably be in my top five).

Jimmy

[dopexvii]

why wouldnt Gamora go back to Warlock
afterall Warlock is the designed "Perfect Man" surely Nova as good as he is cant compare to perfect right girls ;)

[Pixie_Solanas]

If Rich was a smart man, he'd have tied down that green-hued sexy filly. He didn't.

Fair game, man.

I'm so grateful for Nova and GoG. Love them, love them, love them. Favorite books right now, hands down.

[40yearoldnovafan]

why wouldnt Gamora go back to Warlock
afterall Warlock is the designed "Perfect Man" surely Nova as good as he is cant compare to perfect right girls ;)

A couple of things.

If Gamora felt guilty next to Rich and his honor and goodness, how would she feel with Adam the perfect man?

Also, Adam is looking more like the cosmic version of Dr. Strange, which is a nice take on him.

Jimmy

[XPac]

why wouldnt Gamora go back to Warlock
afterall Warlock is the designed "Perfect Man" surely Nova as good as he is cant compare to perfect right girls ;)

It's probably less of a question of whether Gamora wants to go back to Warlock, but rather whether Warlock wants to get back with Gamora.

Historically speaking, Warlock has been a bit of a cold fish. It was very rare that Warlock showed any real romantic interest in Gamora (though you always kind of knew it was there). At this point, we're getting nada from him.

[CMBMOOL]

It's probably less of a question of whether Gamora wants to go back to Warlock, but rather whether Warlock wants to get back with Gamora.

Historically speaking, Warlock has been a bit of a cold fish. It was very rare that Warlock showed any real romantic interest in Gamora (though you always kind of knew it was there). At this point, we're getting nada from him.

Yeah for the deadliest woman in the Universe, Gamora had her bad taste in men when it came to her sticking with Warlock who has little feelings for her. :frown:


She should stick with a man who does care about her in some way and that is NOVA, the Human Rocket. :tongue:

[agrich]

Yeah for the deadliest woman in the Universe, Gamora had her bad taste in men when it came to her sticking with Warlock who has little feelings for her. :frown:

She should stick with a man who does care about her in some way and that is NOVA, the Human Rocket. :tongue:

She had an unrequited love for Warlock during the Infinity Watch series, sure,
but it paid off ultimately. It wasn't all bad. Plus there was the whole protecting an Infinity Gem thing to keep her busy for a while.

Just because Nova fell victim to her obvious charms doesn't mean she shouldn't aim higher, even though Warlock's more of a challenge.

People think a little too much about the characters' love lives if you ask me. They're guarding the galaxy here, people!

[Alex Smith]

People think a little too much about the characters' love lives if you ask me. They're guarding the galaxy here, people!

Ha, agreed. It's an interesting twist from time to time, but it's hard to take minor relationship complaints seriously when they're busy stopping the universe from ending. Kind of puts things in perspective.

[Trey]

Another awesome issue, great art. I'm intruiged by the Church of Truth and thier "Cardinals".

They can make a great enemy. Dan Abnett knows alot about religious fanatics, heretics, and enemies of the church, as he has written a ton of stories/novels set in the Warhammer 40K universe, which features these types of characters.

[Joe Acro]

"Talking pets give me the willies."

I love you, Rocket. I really do.

I didn't enjoy this issue quite as much as last month's, but it was still fun, nice to look at, and fairly cohesive.

The reveal of the cardinals wasn't that impressive or shocking, but it did make me interested in what's in store for them.

[40yearoldnovafan]

She had an unrequited love for Warlock during the Infinity Watch series, sure,
but it paid off ultimately. It wasn't all bad. Plus there was the whole protecting an Infinity Gem thing to keep her busy for a while.

Just because Nova fell victim to her obvious charms doesn't mean she shouldn't aim higher, even though Warlock's more of a challenge.

People think a little too much about the characters' love lives if you ask me. They're guarding the galaxy here, people!

In my many years of comic reading, I have always been interested in the personal stories and the interpersonal relationships. In my humble opinion, the characters are not as interesting without them. That does not just include love life's, but friendships, family, etc.

I have mentioned at other threads that I enjoyed these characters with their supporting casts (friends, loves, whatever):

- Tony Stark, Bethany Cabe, Jim Rhodes (that was a great Iron Man era)
- Bruce Banner and Betty Banner/Ross
- Peter Parker and Mary Jane
- Cyclop and Jean Grey
- Sue and Reed

I now enjoy the dynamics of:

- Richard Rider, Peter Quill, and Phyla Vell
- Richard Rider and Gamora
- Richard Rider and his family (when we see them)
- Cyclops and Emma Frost
- Richard Rider and the Worldmind

etc.

I love the relationship stuff. It makes the characters whole and makes me care about their story more. When I knew Nova was going to be flying all over the place, my one concern was that he would have no supporting cast. Now he has one which he meets up with periodically (along with the tutelage of the Worldmind). It keeps him human.

Jimmy

[agrich]

I'm not trying to do away with the romantic stuff. But a while back there was a thread "Who should be Phylla's new girlfriend?" and now it's important to some that Gamora be with Rich because Warlock didn't show her enough affection while he was busy saving the universe and stuff. I'm sure everyone doesn't feel this way, but it does seem at times like a lot of fans feel that female characters have to be in romantic relationships, which is odd to me. It was odd with Phylla, it's odd for Gamora.

The truth is there's been plenty of personal/character stuff so far, impressive considering we're only two issues in and there's been plenty of action. Gamora admitting she has feelings for Adam, Phylla offering to make dinner for Drax, etc. All is well. It's easy to have personal/charater/emotional connections without pairing off the characters.

I read Nova too, and I don't think the series would be any better if Nova had a girlfriend. In fact, the pillow talk with Gamora was probably one of the weakest elements of the series, despite the fact that it was a treat visually, of course.

Edit: I should note, I have a bias, seeing as I'm a Warlock fan and their relationship/non-relationship was an ongoing subplot in the Infinity Watch series, and was finally consummated (so to speak) in Infinity Abyss. So I think those crazy kids belong together. In any case, both in the case of Phylla and really any of the characters in this series, I hope they take their time developing relationships before throwing characters in bed together, and I suspect they will. Maybe they'll ring truer than the Nova/Gamora relationship ever did -- in part (I think) because we never saw the beginning of that one, just the aftermath.

[Samuraixsithlord]

Just because Nova fell victim to her obvious charms doesn't mean she shouldn't aim higher, even though Warlock's more of a challenge.


But her feelings for Rich seem to be genuine. I mean she broke it off during the first Annihilation because she didn't feel like she was a good enough person for Rich. Then she tried to get Rich to give into the Techno-virus so they could be together again

[DaeJi]

Love is just too human an emotion for people not to be interested; relationships will always be a welcomed topic with fiction and helps to bring people into the stories. And given how freaking brilliant DnA have handled the relationships in the team in just two issues (while having more than enough action!) the love or non-love between the characters should be a heavy recurring topic. For myself, I could see Gamora start to develop old feeling for Warlock with Nova not around, while at the same time Warlock starts to develop feeling for Phyla who is trying to get closer to Drax since he was Heather's father and only has BFF feeling for Warlock being gay and all. Fun times.

[XPac]

But her feelings for Rich seem to be genuine. I mean she broke it off during the first Annihilation because she didn't feel like she was a good enough person for Rich. Then she tried to get Rich to give into the Techno-virus so they could be together again

I sort of complained about this before... but I didn't buy that Rich and Gamora's relationship was that deep. It seemed like they were just messing around and all that "I love you" junk kind of came out of nowhere. Maybe that's just DnA doing a so-so job selling the relationship, I don't know.

Still, the potential triangle is there if the writers want to go that route.

[agirlyman]

Wishing that it would be Cap from another timeline/universe, I kinda knew it was going to be Vance Astro, only cause somebody else had mentioned it though. I missed out on the second run of GOTG, so I didn't know alot of things, wiki, and Comic Vine brought me up to speed. Vance was a hero of mine back in the day, glad to see he's still kicking around. I'm sure when Captain America comes back it's gonna be from outta the blue, that is...if he's not back already.

Dun dun DUN!

[agrich]

But her feelings for Rich seem to be genuine. I mean she broke it off during the first Annihilation because she didn't feel like she was a good enough person for Rich. Then she tried to get Rich to give into the Techno-virus so they could be together again

Actually, I thought he broke it off because she killed a whole bunch of people unnecessarily. As for her words and actions while under the Techno-virus, that's not 100 percent her, so it's debatable how much of any of it was genuine. Regardless, I bought them sleeping together during the Annihilation War. That was fine; it was wartime. I didn't buy a word of it as portrayed in Nova. It didn't ring true (and again, Gamora wasn't herself anyway). People can disagree, that's fine.

[jsf]

Great issue. Loving how Rocket Racoon is so obssessed with getting a name for the group. Next thing you know, he'll be compulsively cleaning his food.

[Ontir]

Still I think that this could lead into the Skrull invasion as it seems impossible for parts of the Avengers Mansion to be floating in ice in space. :frown:

Still can't wait for the next issue though. :redface:

It depends upon WHEN the Avengers' Mansion was destroyed and thrown into space. Vance Astro got Cap's shield in the 31st century, so time-travel is involved here.

This is the sort of book DnA did for DC, namely the Legion, which went under-appreciated. I hope this book, which is off to a fantastic start, gets DnA the respect they deserve.

[Ghost Shark]

Rocket Raccoon is my new favourite Marvel character. He has some of the best lines, and the art make shim look like an actual anthropomorphic raccoon, rather than a cartoon raccoon.

Although my favourite line in the book came from Vance, about Rocket: "A raccoon? That can't be right!"

[timomcshade]

Rocket Raccoon is my new favourite Marvel character. He has some of the best lines, and the art make shim look like an actual anthropomorphic raccoon, rather than a cartoon raccoon.

Although my favourite line in the book came from Vance, about Rocket: "A raccoon? That can't be right!"

Rocket is awesome. Best character in the book. He is soo damn funny. The book has a weird sense of humor to it as most of the characters are weirded out by Cosmo the talking Dog but don't blink at Rocket. Obsessed with the name wanting to copyright it, getting stuff off of eBay... is awesome.

Please buy this AND Nova cause JQ has already said if ti don't sell he is scrapping it. On the plus side I turned a hardcore DC fan onto both Nova and this book so that is always good.

[Samuraixsithlord]

Actually, I thought he broke it off because she killed a whole bunch of people unnecessarily. As for her words and actions while under the Techno-virus, that's not 100 percent her, so it's debatable how much of any of it was genuine. Regardless, I bought them sleeping together during the Annihilation War. That was fine; it was wartime. I didn't buy a word of it as portrayed in Nova. It didn't ring true (and again, Gamora wasn't herself anyway). People can disagree, that's fine.

That's his reason for breaking it off. She had her own reasons for not trying to fix it.

Her thoughts were her own. Being a select only makes you loyal to the Phalanx, you still retain your personality and memories

[agrich]

Her thoughts were her own. Being a select only makes you loyal to the Phalanx, you still retain your personality and memories

Yeah, I know that's what they said. Didn't always seem that way though.

Guess I was trying to give the writers an out for Gamora seeming totally inconsistent with the way the character had been portrayed throughout her history. Again, if it worked for others, fine. I didn't buy it.

[40yearoldnovafan]

Yeah, I know that's what they said. Didn't always seem that way though.

Guess I was trying to give the writers an out for Gamora seeming totally inconsistent with the way the character had been portrayed throughout her history. Again, if it worked for others, fine. I didn't buy it.

Howdy Agrich. I think what we have been getting, starting with Annihilation, was a "dusting off" of many of these characters in order to tell new stories. We Nova fans have discussed (over at Novaprimepage and other sites) how in Annihilation they forgot that Nova was a vet of several war campaigns and had been a bit seasoned. They also did not deal with the fact that he was by far the longest tenured Nova, because all the rest were created after he got his powers back.

As long as we are getting good (or what I consider to be great) stories, I may realize the tweaking in the characters, but I am happy with what we are getting. I mean, Starlord is quite different than what he used to be - and we love him.

So yeah, there's been changes, but boy am I enjoying it.

And by the way, I appreciate all your cosmic knowledge.

[siberia77]

Great to see Vance again, Vance in the future is a fascinating and complex character.

[BeastieRunner]

Every story DnA do is so damn quotable.

Fantastic issue!

[SirIvy]

I really enjoyed this issue and hope more people buy it. Hopefully people will buy the tie ins to Secret Invasion and keep buying afterwards.

[Kylun123]

4. Phyla talks about Moon Dragon in front of Drax. Does she know Drax is her father yet? I can not remember.

In the first issue Phyla recruited Drax at Moondragon's grave.

It seemed as if they both knew then.

Question: Who is Vance Astro?

Been out of comics for a long time. From reading the posts here I'm having a vague recollection that he was one of the New Warriors, that would place his relationship with Nova.
When have we seen his "future" version before?

Also, does it seem to y'all like he's going to become a full-fledged member of the team?

[jeffmace]

Vance Astro returns, hoping to see the original Guardians (or is it future Guardians) again!

Btw, does anyone but me think that Vance's return is somehow tied in with Secret Invasion?

[Nite-Wing]

The de-briefings remind me of the talking head interviews in the office.:biggrin:

[40yearoldnovafan]

In the first issue Phyla recruited Drax at Moondragon's grave.

It seemed as if they both knew then.

Question: Who is Vance Astro?

Been out of comics for a long time. From reading the posts here I'm having a vague recollection that he was one of the New Warriors, that would place his relationship with Nova.
When have we seen his "future" version before?

Also, does it seem to y'all like he's going to become a full-fledged member of the team?

Vance Astrovik was a member of the New Warriors. Vance Astro was a member of the previous Guardians of the Galaxy team. Vance Astro was an ancient hero who was only kept alive by wearing his space/super suit 24/7. Astro is a future version or an alternate Earth version of the New Warriors Vance Astrovik.

Jimmy

[Exiled]

If you blinked you missed it but I think Peter refers to himself as "Star-Lord" for the first time sine he reappared in the Thanos series. It looks like he has come to terms with the Star-Lord legacy? Also I am curious as to how he no longer has any super powers. IIRC as Star-Lord he had super strength, healing, and could fly unprotected in space. Any thoeries from the board as to why he is no longer super human? Thanks.

[Expletive Deleted]

Any thoeries from the board as to why he is no longer super human? Thanks.I'd guess it's related to his extreme body modifications, post-Fallen One. He was purposefully distancing himself from his Star-Lord persona, so it might make sense for him to have somehow suppressed whatever powers he may have had.

Incidentally, I'm not sure that he actually had powers in the first place. It could've been his old suit.

[Joe Acro]

It could've been his old suit.And it also could've been assistance from Ship.

[BeastieRunner]

And it also could've been assistance from Ship.

I miss Ship. :frown:

[mdg1]

Vance Astro was an astronaut (and latent mutant) who, thanks to a Buck Rogers deal, ended up in the Guardians time. During one of their adventures, he returned to the 20th century, and met his younger self, prematurely triggering his mutant abilties and splitting the Guardian timeline off into an alternate future.

That younger Vance became Marvel Boy/Justice of the New Warriors.

[40yearoldnovafan]

Vance Astro was an astronaut (and latent mutant) who, thanks to a Buck Rogers deal, ended up in the Guardians time. During one of their adventures, he returned to the 20th century, and met his younger self, prematurely triggering his mutant abilties and splitting the Guardian timeline off into an alternate future.

That younger Vance became Marvel Boy/Justice of the New Warriors.

Good Job. I'm getting old. My memory is not what it used to be.

Jimmy

[Kylun123]

So when was the Guardians of Galaxy regular series? (80's, 90's, earlier?)

And was the Vance Astro character then created before the guy we know in the New Warriors?

Also, was the original Guardians of the Galaxy series as quirky and humorous as this one is turning out to be?

Thanks.

[Expletive Deleted]

The characters debuted in the very late '60s and appeared periodically through the '70s. They weren't around much in the '80s, then had a regular series in the early '90s.

Yeah, Vance Astro came first. He first appeared in 1969. "Our" Vance first appeared in 1975, splitting off as his own character in 1980.

The original team's stories haven't been particularly light hearted. They've tended towards relatively straightforward superhero fare in a sci-fi setting.

[agrich]

If you blinked you missed it but I think Peter refers to himself as "Star-Lord" for the first time sine he reappared in the Thanos series. It looks like he has come to terms with the Star-Lord legacy?

A few things with names struck me as odd here and there. For example, early on Warlock refers to Quasar as "Phyla!" and "Quasar!" in the space of a few panels. Pretty sure the same thing happens at some point with Gamora calling Warlock "Adam" and also "Warlock." I've got friends and co-workers with nicknames, but I generally refer to them as the same thing all the time.

So, the Star-Lord instance you reference might be a similar kind of thing -- what seems like the writers making a point of fully identifying the characters to the readers.

[Kylun123]

A few things with names struck me as odd here and there. For example, early on Warlock refers to Quasar as "Phyla!" and "Quasar!" in the space of a few panels. Pretty sure the same thing happens at some point with Gamora calling Warlock "Adam" and also "Warlock." I've got friends and co-workers with nicknames, but I generally refer to them as the same thing all the time.

Yea, I took it as an attempt by the writers to make the team seem new to fighting together.

Like as a team, in the zone you're supposed to refer to each other by their code names, and they slip up sometimes. But I suppose it could also be:

the writers making a point of fully identifying the characters to the readers.

[mikekerr3]

Good Job. I'm getting old. My memory is not what it used to be.

Jimmy
Kid, don't call yourself old makes me feel bad:eek:

[40yearoldnovafan]

A few things with names struck me as odd here and there. For example, early on Warlock refers to Quasar as "Phyla!" and "Quasar!" in the space of a few panels. Pretty sure the same thing happens at some point with Gamora calling Warlock "Adam" and also "Warlock." I've got friends and co-workers with nicknames, but I generally refer to them as the same thing all the time.

So, the Star-Lord instance you reference might be a similar kind of thing -- what seems like the writers making a point of fully identifying the characters to the readers.
One of the things I sometimes find odd in comics is when "friends" call each other by their hero name, instead of their real name. If they are in public and in their hero persona, that is fine. But when they are alone they should call each other by their real name. It shows closeness.

Now with this team, I have no problem with it. Phyla and Peter are the only ones with real names any way. And Phyla, Peter, and Richard are the closest - and they do call each other by their birth names. I like that about those three.

[Somebody]

I'd guess it's related to his extreme body modifications, post-Fallen One. He was purposefully distancing himself from his Star-Lord persona, so it might make sense for him to have somehow suppressed whatever powers he may have had.

Incidentally, I'm not sure that he actually had powers in the first place. It could've been his old suit.

He was flying around when his suit was shredded in Marvel Preview #14 (and, Re: Joe Acro, Ship was in human form so he thought she was powered down). He was also "breathing" in space without a helmet.

I think "he had himself depowered" makes as much sense as any explanation is going to in the context.

[chrono727]

Im going to go out on a limb and say the "betrayer" Mantis mentions in issue 1 is Vance.

I figure they will go the Maxam route from Infinity Watch and have him not remember what he is doing and then remember Adam has to die for some reason, and for the umpteenth time.